Acts of Deception

As Mark and Alex left the room, Sam joined Jennifer at the bar and offered to make the drinks. “Mark seems to be very close to your kid,” Sam commented, wanting to see Jennifer’s reaction. “Yes, I think Alex has warmed to him. He’s at the age when he’s looking for a father figure. My husband and I divorced when Alex was very young.” “So I understand,” Sam said, wanting to let Jennifer know that he was somewhat aware of the circumstances. “And how is your ex-husband? Are you still in touch with him?” Taken aback by Sam’s question, Jennifer shook her head, not wanting to lie but definitely not wanting to talk further. “We accidentally met him, you know, in Hong Kong, or didn’t Mark tell you. He and his wife, Amelia, I think is her name, were there on business. However, I wasn’t quite sure what kind of business he was conducting.” Sam kept his eyes focused on Jennifer making her feel obviously uncomfortable. “He’s in the international trade business, import and export, or at least that’s what he used to do. Oriental furniture was one of his specialties, as you can see by the various pieces we have here.” Jennifer pointed to several Chinese and Japanese chests that were scattered around the room and several used as end tables. “I understand that he also imports arms and ammunition. Does he still deal in those?” Sam was very direct in his questioning. “Since you met him and know him, I’m sure he gave you his card where he could be contacted in New York. Why don’t you call him and have him answer your questions.” Jennifer accepted the drink he had fixed for her and turned to face him and in a sarcastic voice said, “I have not had any involvement in his business since we were divorced many years ago. I think you know that. So don’t hammer me with questions about something I know nothing about.” When Mark entered the room, he realized there was an icy atmosphere between Sam and Jennifer and wasn’t quite sure why. “Alex went sound asleep after the first ‘once upon a time’. He must have been pooped.” He then walked over to the bar and fixed himself a drink. “And what have you been discussing while I was away?” Both Jennifer and Sam didn’t answer. Finally, Sam smiled and spoke. “I was just trying to find out what kind of business Martin Gregory was involved in. It used to be arms and ammunition and I’ve heard it still is. I think the feds have traced some of his exports to Mexico—AK-47 assault rifles, Barrett 50-caliber sniper rifles, 38 caliber revolvers and FN 57 semiautomatic pistols. There is also a very profitable trade going on, I understand, in hot bodies—female, of course. The bodies come up through Mexico and the guns go to the Mexican and South American drug cartels to take care of any honest Mexican policeman and U.S. border patrol officers.” Jennifer’s reaction was not lost on either Mark or Sam. “He wouldn’t do that,” Jennifer stated sternly and the look she gave Sam startled Mark. “When he was involved in trading arms, they were all legal.” “If you’re not in contact with him and no longer involved in his company, how do you know, Jennifer?” Sam asked, pushing her for more information. “For your son’s sake,” Sam continued, “I think it might be wise for you to question your ex and find out for sure what he’s up to. There’s a lot of dirty business going on now and I have a hunch that Martin is not as clean as you think he may be. We know that Amelia has made a lot of unscrupulous deals with her Chinese friends.” “What do you mean?” Jennifer asked. “What Chinese friends? I don’t think that Martin is involved in any of that business.” “Then why was he in Hong Kong wining and dining high level PRC intelligence and military figures? I’m sure Martin has told you about his Asian trip when he returned.” Sam continued his badgering of Jennifer, hoping she would slip. “No, he hasn’t,” she automatically replied, realizing immediately that Sam knew Martin had been in touch with her. “He was only concerned when someone kidnapped Alex and he became aware of the amber alert. Since I took Alex away as soon as he was returned to me, I didn’t see Martin. He had called and I told him to return to New York, that I was taking Alex away with me, away from anybody who might want to harm him.” “But you must have talked with him further to let him know that Alex was now okay after he had been released.” “Yes,” she admitted, “but, as I said, Martin returned to New York before meeting with us.” Since both Mark and Sam had finished their drinks, Jennifer suggested that they leave. She wanted to add that she hoped Sam would never return, but didn’t want to embarrass Mark. She definitely didn’t like Sam and was afraid of what he might know, much more than she did about Martin or his activities. “What did you say you did, Sam?” she asked as they were leaving. “I’m an investigative reporter. I’m doing an article on illegal activities of U.S. citizens, especially regarding trade in human beings--females-- from poor countries to the Western world, primarily to the U.S. It’s a sick, dirty business and I want to make sure that the public knows how corrupt some of our businessmen are as well as the officials they have compromised to ensure that they can continue.”